The Apothecary Diaries’ Most Tragic Love Story Was a Double-Edged Sword for the Only Character Who Wanted Lakan to Be Happy

Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries is one of Winter 2025’s most anticipated anime, set to premiere on Crunchyroll on January 10, 2025. With the excitement building for Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries fandom is thrilled, eagerly awaiting the blend of romance and medical mysteries.

Jinshi carrying Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]

Its popularity skyrocketed, drawing anime fans to the light novel series, thanks to its engaging characters, strong protagonist, and intriguing mysteries. Indeed, the anime steals the spotlight with its unique story and characters.

As with any mystery, though, there are always little details that are easy to miss. Amidst the romance, one couple’s tragic and emotional love story left fans in tears when they ended up together—though it also doomed another beloved character to a heartbreaking fate.

The Apothecary Diaries‘ most heartbreaking love story that ended in tragedy no one expected

The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao in a fictional country based on Imperial China. She gets kidnapped from her job as an apothecary in the red-light district and sold as an indentured servant to the Imperial Palace.

The chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi eventually becomes one of the driving elements in the story. While Maomao and Jinshi’s romance plays a central role, fans often overlook the darker themes woven into the story.

Maomao and Jinshi’s budding romance in The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]

If unfamiliar, themes like slavery and human trafficking make it appear dark, but they don’t capture the full depth of the story.

The contract system for courtesans in The Apothecary Diaries exposes the dark past, revealing how women were sold into these roles akin to slavery.

The anime’s harsh and unforgiving setting delivered some of the most heartbreaking romance tales, with Lakan and Fengxian’s love story leaving fans in tears.

Lakan crying and reuniting with Fengxian in the anime | Credits: Toho

Lakan and Fengxian, Maomao’s biological parents, share a tragic past that deeply moved fans when it was revealed in the anime, particularly in Episode 23, where Lakan uncovers the truth about Fengxian’s pregnancy.

The way the rain pours and mud splatters, this scene makes up for one of the most heartbreaking and emotionally shattering moments of The Apothecary Diaries. Although a shadow of the vibrant maiden she once was, Fengxian was still the woman Lakan loved.

Lakan ,i own you an apology, truly the most tragic love story and glad that at least in her last moments he is there for Fengxian pic.twitter.com/FtcwQ6WD5z

Overwhelmed with emotion, the strategist rushes to her bedside, gently holding her frail hand as tears of joy stream down his face. In a heartwarming moment, fans watch as life returns to Fengxian’s weary expression, and for the first time in a long while, the courtesan graces everyone with a radiant smile.

While Lakan and Fengxian’s reunion touched the hearts of many fans, it also doomed another beloved character, Meimei, to a tragic fate.

Meimei had hopes of Lakan buying her out, only to end with her heart broken as she loved Fengxian, her big sister in the brothel, just a little bit more.

Meimei from the Apothecary Diaries | Credits: Toho

Meimei genuinely wished for Lakan to buy her freedom and even harbored feelings for him, but his heart belonged solely to the dying Fengxian. Though he shared a bond with Meimei, it was always Fengxian who held his true love. Their entire love story is a tragedy from beginning to end.

Norihiro Naganuma offers insight into Maomao Character

As the series progresses, more of Maomao’s intelligence is put to the test, as Jinshi places numerous conundrums before her, and more of her personality is revealed to audiences. 

She exhibits complex motivations, flaws, and a wide range of emotions, with some of her interests and opinions contrary to those of her peers.

Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]

Interestingly, the anime director recently shared their thoughts on fan-favorite Maomao’s character, offering fans what to expect from her in Season 2.

The director also revealed the key element of Maomao and Jinshi’s bond in the series, which has been a hidden gem of the year. The Apothecary Diaries takes a unique approach, pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Maomao explains poisons in The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]

Maomao’s resourcefulness, ingenuity, and wit — especially as a female character — are celebrated and encouraged by the cast of characters around her, which helps her embody the elements of a strong female protagonist.

The Apothecary Diaries is available to stream on Crunchyroll